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Match Report

Report: Brentford 1 Blues 2

Blues made it back-to-back wins with a 2-1 victory against Brentford at Griffin Park.

Goals from Clayton Donaldson and Ryan Shotton topped off a performance that showed quality, determination, passion and fight to the very end.

The home side pulled one back with 12 minutes to go through Scott Hogan, but Blues held on and moved up to fourth, as of writing.

In an open and lively first-half Blues started brightly and got their reward.

Donaldson latched onto Maikel Kieftenbeld’s through pass, and after taking a touch, was fouled by Daniel Bentley who’d rushed off his line.

The striker received plenty of boos, as he composed himself, but he stepped up and sent Bentley the wrong way by going to his right corner.

The home side were urged forward and with the goal, the wind and pattern changed.

Brentford continued to leave plenty of space, but as the half ticked on, they forced Blues a little deeper.

However, Blues’ backline continued to stand firm with plenty of blocks as Brentford searched for an equaliser.

Lasse Vibe had the best chance for the hosts, but after controlling Hogan’s chipped effort, the striker dallied. With most of the goal empty, Jonathan Grounds forced Vibe to take an additional touch from three yards and by that time Blues had recovered and blocked his eventual shot.

The second-half started like the first and Tomasz Kuszczak made a terrific double save to deny the home side before the hour mark.

The home fans felt an equaliser was coming, but it was Blues who netted minutes later.

Donaldson won Blues a free-kick down the left and David Cotterill’s delivery was excellent into a near post area. Donaldson, got across his man, flicked on and there was Shotton to finish at the far post.

Changes became regular and Kuszczak made another top save to deny Hogan’s downward header.

The striker was lively and he got his rewards in the 78 minute, when he got between two defenders and nodded Josh Clarke’s cross over Kuszczak.

Paul Robinson was introduced for Blues and play started to settle.

Donaldson and Che Adams were finding plenty of space and had two decent chances saved.

Brentford thought they’d equalised minutes later, but there was a clear offside and with time winding down, Adams saw a low shot cleared off the line.